That entire incident was a well-placed landmine that Dan Rather walked into; his antennae should have gone up when the White House, presented with the evidence, claimed that they couldn't deny it. Rather should have known that any allegation that had even the remotest possibility of being true would be vigorously denied: that's simply the way Washington works (can you say "airport bathroom?" Sure, you can). Unfortunately, he appears to have forgotten that, and the incident ended his career. Chalk one up for the Rovester...